Niels’ WishMaker Story

From supporting wish journeys as a staff member and volunteer to including Make-A-Wish® in his will, Niels reflects on why legacy giving is a powerful way to create lasting impact for children with critical illnesses and their families.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Traveling, running, photography (also useful as a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Netherlands)

What inspired you to join Make-A-Wish International as a staff member, and when did your journey with the team begin?

About four and a half years ago I was looking for a challenge outside the corporate world to give back more to society – and I saw a role at Make-A-Wish International with nearly an identical job title to my corporate role at the time (Regional Director Southern Europe). My previous role was in helping large corporations improve customer journeys, while Make-A-Wish is all about Wish Journeys. When I then learned of the incredible mission to reach every eligible child with a wish and the inspirational stories of the wish children, I was sold. One of the best decisions I have made.

Why is Make-A-Wish special to you?

I think anybody who has ever had the privilege of joining a wish child and family on their journey will tell you it is a magical experience. It is very touching and motivating to see how many people (volunteers, donors, staff, partners) come together to help realize a wish for a child living with a life-threatening illness. As my colleague Apple correctly says, when you are at Make-A-Wish, you truly get to see the best of humanity.

How long have you been supporting Make-A-Wish International?

Since I joined Make-A-Wish International in January of 2022 as a staff member. I have also been a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Netherlands and raised funds, including running the Amsterdam Marathon for Make-A-Wish International with colleague Camilla in 2025.

What inspired you to consider legacy giving as a way to support Make-A-Wish?

I was not familiar with legacy giving before joining the organization. Last year my wife and I decided it was time to change our will to reflect recent changes in our life, and the first thing we discussed was legacy giving. A colleague Jess kindly helped with some advice on how to approach this. My wife and I do not have children and although we are not rich, most likely there will be a house that is paid off before we die. We want that money to make an impact. We both care deeply about certain causes and agreed we would devote the majority of the legacy to those causes. Most of my portion of the will is designated for Make-A-Wish.

Why is it important to you to give back in a way that creates a lasting impact?

I have seen first-hand the enormous impact a wish has on a wish child, their family, their community and all who are involved in that wish journey. It truly lasts a lifetime. Giving back in this way should help support the charity in a structural way – my will specifically states to spend the money on projects to ensure longevity of the organization, not just one-time spending.

What does it mean to you to know your support can help grant wishes in the future, even beyond your lifetime?

I find the idea that the legacy of what my wife and I work for will go on after we pass away very moving  – and motivating for making the most out of life now.

How do you hope your legacy gift will make a difference for wish children and their families?

I hope that through the legacy gift I can help ensure that the organization can ultimately reach more children – each eligible child deserves a wish. If my gift can be a small help to ensuring the organization can grow further to accomplish that mission, that would be great.

What would you say to someone who is considering leaving a gift in their will but isn’t sure whether it will really make a difference?

I can think of few better ways to make a difference. The big advantage of legacy gifts is that the amount is typically greater than a “normal” donation and therefore the impact the organization can make with the gift is much larger. Of course it is important that you leave your family well-off – and my will does that. But I also know there will be money left that is not strictly needed by the family, but can make a difference to countless children and families going through a very difficult time. I can think of no greater purpose.

Why do you think legacy giving is an important way for people to support Make-A-Wish’s mission long term?

Legacy giving allows an organization to plan. When people donate in this way, the organization can focus itself on the mission, on helping more kids, while reducing the short-term stress – charities always face challenges raising money, and larger gifts help them build much-needed resilience.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your decision to include Make-A-Wish in your legacy?

All I can say is I would strongly recommend considering leaving something for charity in your will – whether that is a small percentage or all of it. I remember actually being happy and proud to sign my updated will as I know it will help wish children and families! I have also seen in our network how a single legacy gift can make a big difference – and I know an awful lot more is needed in order to reach every eligible child.